Testes.
Friday, 9 September 2011
Sunday, 28 August 2011
Who turned the lights out?
Hello again guys and gurls for another, slightly more timely than usual post! Been a reasonable week this one, not too much to report on but a few key things that seem worthy of an entry.
First off, my brother has got us entered into this years Dusk Till Dawn 12 hour night enduro, as a team of three. Hoping to build on the success of the recent BigDog and have a good end to the season to motivate us for the winter. You may remember around this time last year I started this blog as a method of motivating myself and as a record of mileage done each month, come the autumn/winter i aim to be more dedicated, both in terms of riding the bike and keeping a track of it all on this website. Time will tell!
This week has seen a minor set back that has thankfully been resolved very quickly. My Hope Vision 2 LED light, that has seen me through the winter for the past 2 years decided to start playing silly buggers forcing me to bail early on the regular Thursday night ride. ( dark in the trees by half 7? I hate that! ) After a little fettling Friday morning I think I have the issue resolved but its not 100%. I also acquired an Exposure Maxx Enduro light from a friend who was selling his to effectively replace the Hope. The Maxx is a bar mounted light so would counter the major issue with having a powerful helmet light; it flattens the trail ahead, removing any depth perception in dips in the trail. Its also a complete single unit, so no cables or separate battery packs to clutter up frames and bars. I'll test it in combat next week and see how we get on.
Sunday morning saw a good ride around the local trails, roughly four and a half hours of riding on slightly greasy singletrack, much fun was had by all and a good cuppa at the Stanmer tea rooms at the end.
Aims for next week? Get out twice and have some good long rides. Hoping for tuesday morning and thursday night, but we'll see what cards the weather deals with us!
The bodged battery and light of my Vision2:
The new Exposure light:
Right then, that's it I'm afraid, short and sweet this week. I'll post up next week with a review of the coming week. Till then, Happy trails!
Jim.
First off, my brother has got us entered into this years Dusk Till Dawn 12 hour night enduro, as a team of three. Hoping to build on the success of the recent BigDog and have a good end to the season to motivate us for the winter. You may remember around this time last year I started this blog as a method of motivating myself and as a record of mileage done each month, come the autumn/winter i aim to be more dedicated, both in terms of riding the bike and keeping a track of it all on this website. Time will tell!
This week has seen a minor set back that has thankfully been resolved very quickly. My Hope Vision 2 LED light, that has seen me through the winter for the past 2 years decided to start playing silly buggers forcing me to bail early on the regular Thursday night ride. ( dark in the trees by half 7? I hate that! ) After a little fettling Friday morning I think I have the issue resolved but its not 100%. I also acquired an Exposure Maxx Enduro light from a friend who was selling his to effectively replace the Hope. The Maxx is a bar mounted light so would counter the major issue with having a powerful helmet light; it flattens the trail ahead, removing any depth perception in dips in the trail. Its also a complete single unit, so no cables or separate battery packs to clutter up frames and bars. I'll test it in combat next week and see how we get on.
Sunday morning saw a good ride around the local trails, roughly four and a half hours of riding on slightly greasy singletrack, much fun was had by all and a good cuppa at the Stanmer tea rooms at the end.
Aims for next week? Get out twice and have some good long rides. Hoping for tuesday morning and thursday night, but we'll see what cards the weather deals with us!
Right then, that's it I'm afraid, short and sweet this week. I'll post up next week with a review of the coming week. Till then, Happy trails!
Jim.
Monday, 22 August 2011
Has it really been a month?
Hiya guy and girls, I seem to be constantly apologising for the tardy nature of my blog posts so this time around, I'm not going to bother!
Been a busy month since the twentyfour12, trying to get ready for the Brighton BigDog 6 hour race and on the whole, it went well. I entered the event in a team of three, myself, my brother and Mr. Guy Colbourne; a regular http://sussexmuddyarse.wordpress.com/ rider and a good mate. Despite ominous weather forecasts leading up to the race, the weather was pretty much perfect and the course bone dry from start to finish. Guy took the first lap, Simon second with me third. Hugely proud of Simon who has been training hard all year to get himself ready and I'm hoping its been a big boost to his confidence as we're racing the Dusk till Dawn 12 hour night enduro in early October so hopefully he'll be even quicker by then. All three of us had a good race, even though I managed to only fit in 1 lap due to the timings ( any lap finished after 1800hrs didn't count ) I did my lap on this:
A Yeti 575, a frankly amazing bike and the most fun I've had on an mtb in ages. I was able to concentrate on riding fast and not on mincing over the rough stuff to ease my back. I had a great lap, really giving it the beans and two days on my back feels fine. All i need to do now is sell one of the kids to buy one...
So, a good weekend, a good result in that we finished the race, only one minor mechanical and we all enjoyed it. Good job done! It puts us in a good place to prepare for October and I'm considering a duathalon in February as something to give me motivation to get out in the depths of winter! Right, I'm going to have some dinner then go for a ride. I'll post up after the next club ride!
A couple of pics from the race. ( some on Guy's nice camera, some on my rubbish phone camera. )
Simon at speed:
Squadron Leader Colbourne:
Me, Mr Smith and a Yeti:
Take it easy guys and gurls!
Jim.
Been a busy month since the twentyfour12, trying to get ready for the Brighton BigDog 6 hour race and on the whole, it went well. I entered the event in a team of three, myself, my brother and Mr. Guy Colbourne; a regular http://sussexmuddyarse.wordpress.com/ rider and a good mate. Despite ominous weather forecasts leading up to the race, the weather was pretty much perfect and the course bone dry from start to finish. Guy took the first lap, Simon second with me third. Hugely proud of Simon who has been training hard all year to get himself ready and I'm hoping its been a big boost to his confidence as we're racing the Dusk till Dawn 12 hour night enduro in early October so hopefully he'll be even quicker by then. All three of us had a good race, even though I managed to only fit in 1 lap due to the timings ( any lap finished after 1800hrs didn't count ) I did my lap on this:
So, a good weekend, a good result in that we finished the race, only one minor mechanical and we all enjoyed it. Good job done! It puts us in a good place to prepare for October and I'm considering a duathalon in February as something to give me motivation to get out in the depths of winter! Right, I'm going to have some dinner then go for a ride. I'll post up after the next club ride!
A couple of pics from the race. ( some on Guy's nice camera, some on my rubbish phone camera. )
Squadron Leader Colbourne:
Take it easy guys and gurls!
Jim.
Friday, 29 July 2011
Twentyfour12 report and observations.
Aloha boys and girls, sorry about the delay reporting from the race, its been a busy week instructing and to be honest, I haven't been in the mood!
So, how did it all go? kinda ok, but disappointed to be truthful. Now, the course was different from the one I was expecting, so all my plans to do X amount of laps went out the window early on. It was slightly longer, around 8.5 miles instead of the planned for 7 and had a lot more climbing than previous years. I had intended to adjust my expectations to 6 laps, based on this but unfortunately, my plans where scuppered by my old adversary, my rubbish back. After my first two laps this was giving me serious problems so I pitted to stretch out a bit. This was well timed as the wife and boys rocked up to see how I was doing. A 45 minute rest and I was out doing another lap and the same problems occurred, my mid and upper back where so tense that everything was a painful ache and I couldn't put any power through at all, the effort in keeping the front end down on the longer steepish climbs not helping at all...
After lap number three I decided to come in for a decent rest and to make use of the free massage tent; not something I've done before. So after something to eat and a bout of insanely painfull cramp I got my back battered. The lap after that felt so much better with my back loosened off, I was able to put power down up the hills and I was alot quicker and alot happier! By that time it was getting dark in the woodland and the rooty singletrack was very exciting to say the least! I decided to call it a day, happy that I'd finished on a high note. The morning after confirmed my choice as I could barely walk! My back had locked up so Monday evening saw a sports massage care of my amazing wife and that was helped. I've also started doing my stretches on a more regular basis and after a gentle ride last night ( Thursday ) it seems to be helping.
So, Observations? stretch more, ride a more comfy and suitable bike. I can do something about the first one, but unless anyone wants to give me a xc bike or a full suspension bike, the second will have to wait. I think losing some weight and working on my core muscles will help with the back issues. I've got the big dog coming on the 20th of August so I've got a month to see if I can effect some of these changes.
I'm planning on putting in some turbo trainer time too, for prolonged pedalling efforts; trails rides are often start/stop and I'm going to try get out Tuesday nights with the faster group to give my body a good thrash!
OK, so that'll do for now. Here's a quick pick of my grovelling up the first hill!
till next time!
J
So, how did it all go? kinda ok, but disappointed to be truthful. Now, the course was different from the one I was expecting, so all my plans to do X amount of laps went out the window early on. It was slightly longer, around 8.5 miles instead of the planned for 7 and had a lot more climbing than previous years. I had intended to adjust my expectations to 6 laps, based on this but unfortunately, my plans where scuppered by my old adversary, my rubbish back. After my first two laps this was giving me serious problems so I pitted to stretch out a bit. This was well timed as the wife and boys rocked up to see how I was doing. A 45 minute rest and I was out doing another lap and the same problems occurred, my mid and upper back where so tense that everything was a painful ache and I couldn't put any power through at all, the effort in keeping the front end down on the longer steepish climbs not helping at all...
After lap number three I decided to come in for a decent rest and to make use of the free massage tent; not something I've done before. So after something to eat and a bout of insanely painfull cramp I got my back battered. The lap after that felt so much better with my back loosened off, I was able to put power down up the hills and I was alot quicker and alot happier! By that time it was getting dark in the woodland and the rooty singletrack was very exciting to say the least! I decided to call it a day, happy that I'd finished on a high note. The morning after confirmed my choice as I could barely walk! My back had locked up so Monday evening saw a sports massage care of my amazing wife and that was helped. I've also started doing my stretches on a more regular basis and after a gentle ride last night ( Thursday ) it seems to be helping.
So, Observations? stretch more, ride a more comfy and suitable bike. I can do something about the first one, but unless anyone wants to give me a xc bike or a full suspension bike, the second will have to wait. I think losing some weight and working on my core muscles will help with the back issues. I've got the big dog coming on the 20th of August so I've got a month to see if I can effect some of these changes.
I'm planning on putting in some turbo trainer time too, for prolonged pedalling efforts; trails rides are often start/stop and I'm going to try get out Tuesday nights with the faster group to give my body a good thrash!
OK, so that'll do for now. Here's a quick pick of my grovelling up the first hill!
till next time!
J
Saturday, 16 July 2011
Busy week!
Avast! Its been a busy riding week for me, all last minute prep for 24/12 next weekend! I managed to get out saturday morning, monday evening, wednesday morning and thursday evening, which for me is incredible; lots of thanks to the good wife!
Most of these rides where round the 15 mile mark, one longer one was in there and thursdays night ride was at a much higher pace so got to give the legs a good thrash. I have a couple of days off early in the week so might try to get out for a long slow ride to see how im feeling. Fingers crossed i'll be out thursday evening again but i'll be mincing around the trails trying not to fall off!
So, what on earth am i hoping to acheive? finishing whilst still be able to walk feature quite highly! I'm aiming to do 8 laps, roughly 45 miles; doesnt sound like too much when put like that does it? I'm going to break it down into a block of four laps at the start, hoping to get done around 5pm ( race starts at midday ) have a break for an hour and a half, sort my bike out if it needs it and sort my body out; lots of stretching and pain killes! After that I want to do two laps before it starts to get dark, pit for half hour after that then do a final two laps in the dark...Thats the plan anyway! Depending on weather and how my back is coping I'll adjust the final laps but I have I think an achievable goal so long as I take it easy. My main concern is my back, if I can look after that I know I've got the legs for it.
I've fitted some 2.25 nobby nics to the stiffee and they certainly offer plenty of cushioning, aswell grip so that'll help. I plan on experimenting with tyre pressures this week too.
One issue i didnt expect was losing my brother as my helper, he's been offered a job in one of the trade stands and hopefully it'll lead to better things but i'll miss his trackside enthusiasm! Luckily I'll have mum and dad ( and dog! ) to keep me ship shape and bristol!
Right, im off to check the weather again and to get the boys washed and dressed. I'll try and post next friday from my folks house, if not it'll be after the race.
peace.
Most of these rides where round the 15 mile mark, one longer one was in there and thursdays night ride was at a much higher pace so got to give the legs a good thrash. I have a couple of days off early in the week so might try to get out for a long slow ride to see how im feeling. Fingers crossed i'll be out thursday evening again but i'll be mincing around the trails trying not to fall off!
So, what on earth am i hoping to acheive? finishing whilst still be able to walk feature quite highly! I'm aiming to do 8 laps, roughly 45 miles; doesnt sound like too much when put like that does it? I'm going to break it down into a block of four laps at the start, hoping to get done around 5pm ( race starts at midday ) have a break for an hour and a half, sort my bike out if it needs it and sort my body out; lots of stretching and pain killes! After that I want to do two laps before it starts to get dark, pit for half hour after that then do a final two laps in the dark...Thats the plan anyway! Depending on weather and how my back is coping I'll adjust the final laps but I have I think an achievable goal so long as I take it easy. My main concern is my back, if I can look after that I know I've got the legs for it.
I've fitted some 2.25 nobby nics to the stiffee and they certainly offer plenty of cushioning, aswell grip so that'll help. I plan on experimenting with tyre pressures this week too.
One issue i didnt expect was losing my brother as my helper, he's been offered a job in one of the trade stands and hopefully it'll lead to better things but i'll miss his trackside enthusiasm! Luckily I'll have mum and dad ( and dog! ) to keep me ship shape and bristol!
Right, im off to check the weather again and to get the boys washed and dressed. I'll try and post next friday from my folks house, if not it'll be after the race.
peace.
Saturday, 9 July 2011
2 weeks till 24\12!
Morning boys and girls! Been off for a couple of weeks, letting my nose heal ( see last post ) and fitting all the riding i can between a hectic family and work schedule; Ive recently turned self employed so trying to work as much as i can in preperation for the quiet periods...
The weather has been a bit rubbish of late and has certainly been a limiting factor, when i have got out the trails have been greasy rather than muddy, so its done plenty to sharpen my riding if nothing else! I recently had a revelation over my riding style when it comes to riding in the wet - take the direct approach and try and go just as fast as the dry! Seems to work quite well!
Other than that, not too much else has been going on! Working on what kit and final preperation I need for 24\12. I did twenty miles in a little under three hours today, so based on the 7 mile lap from last year, I think my initil goal of four laps/hours before a decent pit stop should be about right. Naturally, the weather may stick its oar in but we'll deal with that as and when.
Ok, time to fix some lunch, here are a couple of pics from this mornings ride:
I'll post up next week with how my plans are going and a decent game plan for 24\12. Till then, ride safe folks.
Jim.
The weather has been a bit rubbish of late and has certainly been a limiting factor, when i have got out the trails have been greasy rather than muddy, so its done plenty to sharpen my riding if nothing else! I recently had a revelation over my riding style when it comes to riding in the wet - take the direct approach and try and go just as fast as the dry! Seems to work quite well!
Other than that, not too much else has been going on! Working on what kit and final preperation I need for 24\12. I did twenty miles in a little under three hours today, so based on the 7 mile lap from last year, I think my initil goal of four laps/hours before a decent pit stop should be about right. Naturally, the weather may stick its oar in but we'll deal with that as and when.
Ok, time to fix some lunch, here are a couple of pics from this mornings ride:
Jim.
Monday, 27 June 2011
must stop falling off....
Hello, whoever may be reading my random witterings and nonsense! My last blog post was a quick one to say I was back in the saddle and enjoying it so im gonn continue with that theme, but theres been a few more ups and downs!
Had a busy couple of weeks, plenty of riding in the past week two, managing to get out four times last week, with varying degrees of success! Tuesday as summer solstice so I made damn sure I rode, only managed an hour and half but it was good fun. Thursday was the usual Stanmer park session, with all the recent rain it was pretty greasy in the woods but a huge amount of fun was had! The weekend wa a rare one in that I wasnt instructing at all, so made it out on both days. Saturday was a spin with the editor of MBR magazine, as BrightonMTB showed him a local loop. It was damp and misty but a fun ride. Sunday was the BrightonMTB summer barbeque, I had an option of going on the Sussex Muddyarse ride too, but the wife was busy writing an essay due in this week so I elected to stay local. A complete contrast to the previous day; bright and very very hot! An unfortunate over the bars episode cut my ride short a little bit, but no long term dmage and no damage to the bike, thank god!
Legs, nose and neck are pretty achey at the moment, but i'll have a rest and hopefully be fit for this thursdays ride. Im trying to focus on saddle time as the Bontrager 24\12 is fast approaching and as im entered for 12 hours solo, i need to get hardened quickly!
I've got a whole bunch of photos to post too, like my original post last September, im trying to get atleast one per ride, just to make it a bit more interesting!
I might do a few kit reviews too while im at it, just to give me something to write about!
Ok, a few pics from the various rides this week!
So, a few pics from my week on two wheels!
I'll sign off now, and update next week with how my preperation for 24\12 is getting on!
till then, peace.
Had a busy couple of weeks, plenty of riding in the past week two, managing to get out four times last week, with varying degrees of success! Tuesday as summer solstice so I made damn sure I rode, only managed an hour and half but it was good fun. Thursday was the usual Stanmer park session, with all the recent rain it was pretty greasy in the woods but a huge amount of fun was had! The weekend wa a rare one in that I wasnt instructing at all, so made it out on both days. Saturday was a spin with the editor of MBR magazine, as BrightonMTB showed him a local loop. It was damp and misty but a fun ride. Sunday was the BrightonMTB summer barbeque, I had an option of going on the Sussex Muddyarse ride too, but the wife was busy writing an essay due in this week so I elected to stay local. A complete contrast to the previous day; bright and very very hot! An unfortunate over the bars episode cut my ride short a little bit, but no long term dmage and no damage to the bike, thank god!
Legs, nose and neck are pretty achey at the moment, but i'll have a rest and hopefully be fit for this thursdays ride. Im trying to focus on saddle time as the Bontrager 24\12 is fast approaching and as im entered for 12 hours solo, i need to get hardened quickly!
I've got a whole bunch of photos to post too, like my original post last September, im trying to get atleast one per ride, just to make it a bit more interesting!
I might do a few kit reviews too while im at it, just to give me something to write about!
Ok, a few pics from the various rides this week!
So, a few pics from my week on two wheels!
I'll sign off now, and update next week with how my preperation for 24\12 is getting on!
till then, peace.
Friday, 17 June 2011
I'm Back!
Avast! It's been a while since my crash in Wales back in April, but the body has healed and the bike has been fixed. The majority of the wait has been due to a knackered wrist; I must of done something odd to it on the way down the hill but its been a major source of discomfort. Even now, typing this its started aching...
Using the throttle of the motorcycle presents no problems but the forces going through the wrist when braking on the MTB where more than it could handle...
FastForward to mid June and im all good to go for my first offroad ride since the accident. I had been a little worried that my confidence would be shattered and I'd be riding like a goat, but I was very pleased by my turn of pace and I still kept up on the techinical sections; although a few new additions caught me out! Still got some work to do before the 12 hour race end of July, but I havnt fallen behind as much as I feared...just got to keep the pedals turning as much as possible between now and then. And pray for dry weather!
A quick pic of the Stiffee, returned to operational duties:
I'll post another update next week, Im hoping to get out and enjoy the long evenings before it all starts closing in again!
Jim.
Using the throttle of the motorcycle presents no problems but the forces going through the wrist when braking on the MTB where more than it could handle...
FastForward to mid June and im all good to go for my first offroad ride since the accident. I had been a little worried that my confidence would be shattered and I'd be riding like a goat, but I was very pleased by my turn of pace and I still kept up on the techinical sections; although a few new additions caught me out! Still got some work to do before the 12 hour race end of July, but I havnt fallen behind as much as I feared...just got to keep the pedals turning as much as possible between now and then. And pray for dry weather!
A quick pic of the Stiffee, returned to operational duties:
I'll post another update next week, Im hoping to get out and enjoy the long evenings before it all starts closing in again!
Jim.
Monday, 16 May 2011
A quick update...
So, after the carnage of Wales things are slowly getting sorted...
Most of the bruising and grazes have gone, which is nice as I can move my legs freely again! Whilst they where healing everytime I moved a leg the scabbing would crack and it got very sore to say the least...but they're almost good to go now.
Other things are now being more of an issue, my left ribcage is still very tender and causing some sleep issues but doesnt seem to impact to much when riding a bike. The suprising problem is my right wrist. ( minds out of the gutter please ) I cant seem to put much pressure through it. Using the throttle on the motorbike is fine but firm application of the brakes on the Stiffee is really uncomfortable; not helped by the way the brake lever is bent away from the handlebar, putting my hand in a odd position anyway! So, until I get the brake swapped and my wrist is better, no offroad riding for me! #
The back wheel is fixed so Im spinning back and forth to work and it seems to be working as it should so happy with that.
I've come into a turbo trainer ( cheers Alex! ) so Im planning on spending an hour a night on that, trying to regain some of the fitness I've lost and lose some of the pounds I've gained! I'll post up some pics later when I get home.
In other news, both the boys have had a nasty bout of chicken pox so not much sleep is being had by any of us, but that seems to be slowly subiding thankfully. I've also been referred to Hove PolyClinic about my sciatica/numb foot issue and depending on them, it may mean surgery! lets hope not!
Right, gotta go.
cheers y'all.
Jim.
Most of the bruising and grazes have gone, which is nice as I can move my legs freely again! Whilst they where healing everytime I moved a leg the scabbing would crack and it got very sore to say the least...but they're almost good to go now.
Other things are now being more of an issue, my left ribcage is still very tender and causing some sleep issues but doesnt seem to impact to much when riding a bike. The suprising problem is my right wrist. ( minds out of the gutter please ) I cant seem to put much pressure through it. Using the throttle on the motorbike is fine but firm application of the brakes on the Stiffee is really uncomfortable; not helped by the way the brake lever is bent away from the handlebar, putting my hand in a odd position anyway! So, until I get the brake swapped and my wrist is better, no offroad riding for me! #
The back wheel is fixed so Im spinning back and forth to work and it seems to be working as it should so happy with that.
I've come into a turbo trainer ( cheers Alex! ) so Im planning on spending an hour a night on that, trying to regain some of the fitness I've lost and lose some of the pounds I've gained! I'll post up some pics later when I get home.
In other news, both the boys have had a nasty bout of chicken pox so not much sleep is being had by any of us, but that seems to be slowly subiding thankfully. I've also been referred to Hove PolyClinic about my sciatica/numb foot issue and depending on them, it may mean surgery! lets hope not!
Right, gotta go.
cheers y'all.
Jim.
Monday, 9 May 2011
Hmm, this walking malarkey might just work...
As I'm still bikeless I decided to walk into work today, I thought about running in but my ribs are still tender so decided not to. Lovely morning outside and a brisk stroll though St Ann's Well gardens in Hove got me to work 300 calories lighter and in a good mood.
Hoping to the Stiffee back up and running by the end of the week, need to get a new brake posted up by my brother so touch wood he'll light a fire under it! I'm missing all the bluebells! The new wheel gets sorted thursday and if I have the spare funds a new set of tires too - some 2.25 nobby nics. I've ran the 2.1 versions since 2009 and havnt come across a better tire. The larger versions will hopefully give me a bit more cushioning for my poor back!
In other news, Im loving the new dishwasher the wife and I bought at the start of the month; makes the day alot easier! Finaly got around to registering with a new GP, going to see him tonight to see what he can do about my back and sciatic pain...
right, till the next time!
Jim.
Hoping to the Stiffee back up and running by the end of the week, need to get a new brake posted up by my brother so touch wood he'll light a fire under it! I'm missing all the bluebells! The new wheel gets sorted thursday and if I have the spare funds a new set of tires too - some 2.25 nobby nics. I've ran the 2.1 versions since 2009 and havnt come across a better tire. The larger versions will hopefully give me a bit more cushioning for my poor back!
In other news, Im loving the new dishwasher the wife and I bought at the start of the month; makes the day alot easier! Finaly got around to registering with a new GP, going to see him tonight to see what he can do about my back and sciatic pain...
right, till the next time!
Jim.
Friday, 6 May 2011
bruisetacular post, with added new helmet!
A few pics of my numerous bruises and my replacement lid:
Holy shit!
Has it really been the end of January since I last posted? That's RUBBISH!
Quite a bit has happened since then, some good, some bad!
The good has been a steady increase in my riding, not as much as I'd like bit I feel I've got a reasonable turn of speed. My confidence on the bike has been increasing too: I dropped my handlebars a few cm and it's seems to have had a pronounced effect on the stiffee's handling! Happy days indeed.
The bad has been rather catastrophic though. A loss of motivation to go running has been the biggest one. Don't know why but it was around the time my main pc died and I lost my training log for the year so far; trying to regain my mojo! The biggest downer I've had though was over the last week: the Muddyarse crew had a road trip to Wales. Got there Friday and had a good couple of hours on the trails. Up Saturday and 20 minutes in to the ride on the Wall decent I had a major crash, falling around 40 feet down the mountain side! Lots of heavy scrapes and heavy bruising and a few battered ribs :0( unfortunately, the bike is fubar! A heavily taco'd rear wheel, a snapped front brake lever; I've had those brakes for 11 years!!! And a cracked and dented helmet. Just goes to show; where a helmets kids, it might save your neck when you least expect it!So, now waiting for things to heal and get fixed then a hard end of may and June to prepare for 24/12! I'll post some pics when I get to the laptop, and I'll definatley start posting regularly!
Till then, cheers y'all!
Jim
Quite a bit has happened since then, some good, some bad!
The good has been a steady increase in my riding, not as much as I'd like bit I feel I've got a reasonable turn of speed. My confidence on the bike has been increasing too: I dropped my handlebars a few cm and it's seems to have had a pronounced effect on the stiffee's handling! Happy days indeed.
The bad has been rather catastrophic though. A loss of motivation to go running has been the biggest one. Don't know why but it was around the time my main pc died and I lost my training log for the year so far; trying to regain my mojo! The biggest downer I've had though was over the last week: the Muddyarse crew had a road trip to Wales. Got there Friday and had a good couple of hours on the trails. Up Saturday and 20 minutes in to the ride on the Wall decent I had a major crash, falling around 40 feet down the mountain side! Lots of heavy scrapes and heavy bruising and a few battered ribs :0( unfortunately, the bike is fubar! A heavily taco'd rear wheel, a snapped front brake lever; I've had those brakes for 11 years!!! And a cracked and dented helmet. Just goes to show; where a helmets kids, it might save your neck when you least expect it!So, now waiting for things to heal and get fixed then a hard end of may and June to prepare for 24/12! I'll post some pics when I get to the laptop, and I'll definatley start posting regularly!
Till then, cheers y'all!
Jim
Monday, 31 January 2011
End of the month round up.
Well, that was my first month trying to get back into shape. All in all Im rather pleased with it!
New to me was the running, which has gone well and im now looking to improve my speed and endurance. At the start I couldnt run a full lap around Hove park but now run non stop for 3 laps so really happy with that. I've also started running to work, 2 miles each way and that seems to help alot!
Not too much on the cycling front, unfortunatley, the weather being the deciding factor here; its been awful! I've managed a couple of night rides and a monster club ride, 20 miles and 3000 feet of climbing! I used my HR monitor alot for this one, to try and monitor the effort I was putting in and it seemed to work, although by the end the legs where spent but the lungs felt good!
A few pics from said ride:
More: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimkirk/sets/72157625814219459/
What are my plans for February? Essentially to build on January, more running as it less effected by grotty weather and trying to get out on the bike more for some downland riding. Im also going to try and ride to the weekly night rides. Its my birthday on the 17th and I have that week off so hopefully I'll fit in some long rides in daylight in!
Plans for a full sus bike are progressing, just trying to save some money for a decent deposit. The aim is to have the bouncer by our road trip to wales at the end of April. Touch wood that happens, as I can stand the stiffee down for a while and give it some much needed tlc!
Right, time to go clean the bikes!
Jim.
New to me was the running, which has gone well and im now looking to improve my speed and endurance. At the start I couldnt run a full lap around Hove park but now run non stop for 3 laps so really happy with that. I've also started running to work, 2 miles each way and that seems to help alot!
Not too much on the cycling front, unfortunatley, the weather being the deciding factor here; its been awful! I've managed a couple of night rides and a monster club ride, 20 miles and 3000 feet of climbing! I used my HR monitor alot for this one, to try and monitor the effort I was putting in and it seemed to work, although by the end the legs where spent but the lungs felt good!
A few pics from said ride:
What are my plans for February? Essentially to build on January, more running as it less effected by grotty weather and trying to get out on the bike more for some downland riding. Im also going to try and ride to the weekly night rides. Its my birthday on the 17th and I have that week off so hopefully I'll fit in some long rides in daylight in!
Plans for a full sus bike are progressing, just trying to save some money for a decent deposit. The aim is to have the bouncer by our road trip to wales at the end of April. Touch wood that happens, as I can stand the stiffee down for a while and give it some much needed tlc!
Right, time to go clean the bikes!
Jim.
Monday, 17 January 2011
We're gonna need a bigger boat.
Thats the view out of the front room window this morning! Suffice to say its a tad wet out!
Not been too bad a week, but the weather has been a severley limiting factor; I hate getting wet! I only managed 2-3 runs this week, and didnt touch the mtb at all, which is bollocks really...
I was hoping to get out on it this afternoon but we'll have to see if it stops rainng or not; its not looking good :o(
On the brightside, I had some instructing work again, its nice to see it start to pick up again. Good to get out on two wheels, wether its 0.5hp or 150hp! The only downside was nearly getting wiped out by some old retard not looking as she changed lane. Glad the fazer has good brakes!
Nothing else has happened really, pressing ahead with plans to start running to work in february, and fingers crossed the rain will sod off and I can ride my bike more!.
till next time.
J
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
new shoes!
Got me some running shoes this afternoon, nothing too extravagant but a good starter shoe. I'll test them first thing in the morning!
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
10 day update.
well, 11 days into the new year and what has happened? So far, so good. Only managed to fit in two offroad rides due to weather and time constraints but im really enjoying my running, building up to an average of 2.5 miles in the mornings - thats about all I have time for before I need to get back and get ready for work.
The good wife has been very helpful, giving me a regular weekday pass on thursday evenings so I can get back the http://brightonmtb.org/ evening rides and letting me use the car for the monthly sussexmudyarse rides, with whatever I can fit in anywhere else. This morning she even offered to get me some running shoes. I love my wife.
I've fitted some slicks to the stiffee for the midweek commute until I get my p7 back on the road and plan to do some roadrides using my heart rate monitor more effectively, but the weather has been a bit moody so far in 2011 so we'll see how it goes.
I'll update again in a week or so.
The good wife has been very helpful, giving me a regular weekday pass on thursday evenings so I can get back the http://brightonmtb.org/ evening rides and letting me use the car for the monthly sussexmudyarse rides, with whatever I can fit in anywhere else. This morning she even offered to get me some running shoes. I love my wife.
I've fitted some slicks to the stiffee for the midweek commute until I get my p7 back on the road and plan to do some roadrides using my heart rate monitor more effectively, but the weather has been a bit moody so far in 2011 so we'll see how it goes.
I'll update again in a week or so.
Tuesday, 4 January 2011
Mid week update!
Thought I'd put a little post up more as a marker for me than anything else. Started back to work today, and managed to fit it a run, get back, fill in my diary and get showered, ready for work and get the boys playgroup stuff ready and leave on time is cool. I could probably get process a bit tighter too. Planning on running each morning but not at the weekends. A ride is on the cards Thursday and Sunday, weather permitting.
Right, let's get the boys to sleep and watch some Dakar coverage.
Right, let's get the boys to sleep and watch some Dakar coverage.
Sunday, 2 January 2011
Happy New year!
Yes yes, I know it's the 2nd but it's been a full two months since I posted anything!
Not much to write about I suppose, whilst passing my driving has let me get out to done new places to ride which has been cool. I've also managed to squeeze in shorter rides by driving to places like stanmer park which is a 45 minute ride away.
So, whats the plan for 2011? Racing and getting fit. Suitably vague I reckon! I have some specific races I want to enter, the goodwood spring challenge, the bontrager 24/12 as a 12 hour solo, the Brighton big dog, dusk till Dawn and the exposure max enduro, probably the 40 mile night loop, but see how it goes.
To help me keep motivated and to help in my quest to be skinny again, I'm going to be more regular updating this: bookmarking it on my phone will help! I've also got a heart rate monitor ( cheers Bro! ) to give me some more data and to top it off I've started a training diary of all the rides/runs I do. Hopefully this will let me see my progress and spur me on some more!
The usual problems might cone up, work/wife and kids but I'm going to try and keep to riding thursday nights and Sunday's aswell as morning runs but weather and family shall see how Escher on!
I'm going to update next week with how the first week of 2011 went!
Till then, keep the rubber side down.
J
Not much to write about I suppose, whilst passing my driving has let me get out to done new places to ride which has been cool. I've also managed to squeeze in shorter rides by driving to places like stanmer park which is a 45 minute ride away.
So, whats the plan for 2011? Racing and getting fit. Suitably vague I reckon! I have some specific races I want to enter, the goodwood spring challenge, the bontrager 24/12 as a 12 hour solo, the Brighton big dog, dusk till Dawn and the exposure max enduro, probably the 40 mile night loop, but see how it goes.
To help me keep motivated and to help in my quest to be skinny again, I'm going to be more regular updating this: bookmarking it on my phone will help! I've also got a heart rate monitor ( cheers Bro! ) to give me some more data and to top it off I've started a training diary of all the rides/runs I do. Hopefully this will let me see my progress and spur me on some more!
The usual problems might cone up, work/wife and kids but I'm going to try and keep to riding thursday nights and Sunday's aswell as morning runs but weather and family shall see how Escher on!
I'm going to update next week with how the first week of 2011 went!
Till then, keep the rubber side down.
J
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